Collin Chandler, a rising star in college basketball, has entered his second year at the University of Kentucky with tremendous potential and the kind of profile that suggests significant improvement. While year one at any major program like Kentucky often comes with growing pains, especially for freshmen in a highly competitive environment, the transition to year two tends to be when the light truly turns on. Kentucky fans should be excited for what lies ahead for Chandler in his sophomore campaign. With an array of skills and an ideal developmental environment under Coach John Calipari, Collin Chandler’s year two jump should be massive, and here’s why.
1. A Look Back: Freshman Year at Kentucky
Before diving into what fans can expect from Chandler in year two, it’s important to reflect on his freshman season. Chandler arrived at Kentucky as a highly-rated recruit, touted as a versatile scoring guard with excellent athleticism and an advanced basketball IQ. His first year at Kentucky wasn’t without its challenges, but even during his rookie season, he showed flashes of brilliance.
As a freshman, Chandler averaged a modest 9.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His shooting percentages were respectable, shooting 43.5% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc. Despite Kentucky’s up-and-down season in 2023, Chandler was often one of the more consistent performers on the team. He was able to contribute across multiple facets of the game, showcasing his ability to defend, handle the ball, and score both off the ball and as a primary playmaker.
However, as with most freshmen at a high-level program, Chandler’s consistency could sometimes waver, particularly in high-pressure SEC games. His turnovers were a slight concern, and while his athleticism was never in question, there were moments when he struggled to fully take control of the game as Kentucky’s primary offensive engine. This inconsistency is typical of freshmen, especially when they transition from high school to the level of play seen in the SEC.
2. The Year Two Jump: What it Means
In college basketball, a player’s second year is often the most telling. For many players, their freshman year is a time of adjustment—learning the speed of the game, understanding the nuances of a college offense and defense, and adapting to life away from home. By year two, however, players are more comfortable with the system and are physically and mentally more mature. This is when many players experience what is commonly referred to as the “year two jump.”
Collin Chandler, with his blend of athleticism, basketball IQ, and work ethic, seems poised to make such a leap. The “year two jump” for a player can manifest in several key areas:
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Improved Physicality: With a year of college-level strength training and conditioning under his belt, Chandler should be more physically prepared for the grind of a long season. His body should have filled out, and his endurance should be at a higher level. This could help him be more explosive on offense and a more formidable defender.
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Increased Confidence: By now, Chandler should have gained the confidence to be more assertive on both ends of the floor. He’ll no longer be trying to adjust to the speed of the game, but rather, he will understand how to use his skills to impact the game.
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Tactical Development: After spending a year under the tutelage of Coach Calipari, Chandler is likely to have a much deeper understanding of the tactical side of the game. His decision-making should improve, his court vision will be sharper, and he will likely become more efficient with his offensive opportunities.
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Refined Skills: In his second season, Chandler will have had the opportunity to work on his weaknesses and polish his strengths. His shooting consistency will improve, and he will likely become more comfortable in tight game situations.
3. The Impact of Coach John Calipari
The role of Coach John Calipari in Chandler’s development cannot be understated. Calipari is one of the most successful and respected coaches in college basketball history. Known for his ability to develop elite talent and prepare players for the NBA, Calipari has a track record of maximizing the potential of his players, particularly in their sophomore seasons.
At Kentucky, the coaching staff prides itself on player development. Calipari runs a pro-style system, one that challenges players to think quickly and make decisions at a high level. Chandler, who has shown an ability to process the game and make intelligent plays, will benefit tremendously from this system in year two. Calipari’s emphasis on creating versatile players who can operate in multiple positions and roles will help Chandler grow his game in ways that weren’t possible as a freshman.
Moreover, Calipari’s ability to develop guards is well documented. He’s coached the likes of John Wall, De’Aaron Fox, and Tyler Herro, all of whom made significant year two jumps and developed into NBA-caliber players under his tutelage. Chandler’s skill set mirrors many of these players’ strengths, especially his ability to score both inside and from the perimeter. With Calipari’s guidance, Chandler should be able to refine his game, become a more confident ball handler, and improve his ability to run the offense when called upon.
4. Chandler’s Skill Set: What to Expect
Chandler enters his second season with an already impressive set of skills, and the next step is refining them. His combination of size (6’5″), length, and athleticism makes him a natural fit as a shooting guard, but he has the potential to develop into a point guard or a combo guard in Coach Calipari’s system. Below are a few specific areas where Chandler is likely to make a significant leap.
Scoring Ability
Chandler’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor is one of his most enticing traits. He has a smooth jumper, especially from the three-point line, and he has a strong ability to finish at the rim. In year two, Chandler is likely to improve his shooting consistency, particularly with his three-point shooting. His shot selection should improve as he gains more experience reading defenses, and he’ll be more selective with his shots, leading to better efficiency overall.
One area where Chandler can make the biggest leap is in his ability to attack the basket and finish through contact. With increased strength and confidence, Chandler should be able to take defenders off the dribble more effectively and finish around the rim with greater ease. His ability to create for himself as a scorer will make him more dynamic and difficult to defend.
Playmaking
Chandler’s playmaking ability is one of his underappreciated strengths. He has a good understanding of the game and is capable of creating for others, even if his assists didn’t necessarily reflect that in his freshman year. In year two, as Chandler grows into a more central offensive role, his playmaking will likely take a major step forward. He should become more adept at reading defenses and finding open teammates, especially on pick-and-roll plays.
The growth in Chandler’s playmaking will also tie into his ball-handling. His ability to break down defenses off the dribble will improve as he hones his craft, and his vision will become sharper. In a system like Calipari’s, where players are encouraged to create for themselves and others, Chandler should have ample opportunities to showcase his improved playmaking skills.
Defense
Chandler’s defense was another area where he showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman. With his length and athleticism, Chandler has the tools to become an elite defender, particularly on the perimeter. In year two, he should become a more disciplined defender, using his length to disrupt passing lanes and his quickness to stay in front of ball handlers. As he grows more confident, Chandler will also be better at reading the opposing team’s offense and anticipating plays.
The defensive side of Chandler’s game is crucial not just for his development but for Kentucky’s overall success. Coach Calipari places a significant emphasis on defense, and Chandler will be expected to lock down opposing guards and wings, making life difficult for his opponents.
5. Expectations for the 2024-2025 Season
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 season, Kentucky fans should expect Collin Chandler to be one of the team’s primary offensive weapons. As the team looks to rebound from a somewhat disappointing 2023-2024 season, Chandler’s improvement will be vital for the Wildcats’ success.
Given his natural talent and the developmental opportunities that Kentucky provides, Chandler should make a substantial leap in his second year. It’s not out of the question for him to emerge as a potential All-SEC player, and if he continues to improve at the rate that seems likely, he could find himself on NBA draft boards by the end of the season.
In summary, Collin Chandler’s year two jump is not just a possibility—it’s almost a certainty. With the right environment at Kentucky and the guidance of Coach Calipari, Chandler has the tools to become one of the premier players in the SEC and a leader on a team that is poised for a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Kentucky fans should be excited for what’s to come, as Chandler is set to take his game—and the Wildcats—to new heights.
